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Police ID 2 suspects in bank robbery

Kimberly Matas Arizona Daily Star

Mar 1, 2013

The two suspects in Wednesday's bank robbery and police chase have been identified.

Evan Curtis Hill, 20, and John Murphy, 48, were arrested in connection with the robbery that occurred just before noon at Bank of the West, 3175 N. Swan Road, near East Camp Lowell Road, said Sgt. Chris Widmer, a spokesman for the Tucson Police Department.

Hill was armed with a handgun when he entered the bank, demanded money and left with an undisclosed amount of cash, Widmer said.

A police officer saw a vehicle in the area he believed was linked to the robbery. The officer chased the car until it reached an alley just west of East 27th Street and South Curtis Avenue, where the suspect vehicle crashed into a fence.

Both men fled, but Murphy was quickly captured.

Hill ran through the backyard of a nearby home. When officers followed, they were confronted by a pit bull in the yard. The dog bit one of the officers and it was shot by the other officer. During the dog attack, Hill ran from the yard and the officers lost sight of him, Widmer said.

Hill was found hiding in a shed in the 1500 block of East 28th Street. A police dog bit Hill while he was hiding in the shed.

The suspect and the officer both had minor bite wounds. The wounded pit bull was taken to a veterinary clinic and is expected to recover.

Investigators found a bag near the suspects' vehicle that contained money stolen from the bank and the gun they believe was used in the heist, Widmer said.

Both suspects were booked into the Pima County jail. They are facing numerous charges.